When you live in Michigan, snow is part of the joy of winter life. Unfortunately, the beautiful snow that creates such a winter wonderland can also have extremely damaging effects on your roof. If it’s time to replace your old roof, you should consider a new metal roof, as it has many advantages over other roofing materials. Metal roofs can make the snow and ice of the season much easier to remove, too.
As metal roofs come in various options, including steel, galvanized steel, copper, and aluminum, you will be getting a roof with the ultimate protection from the elements. You will be able to find a style that complements your house, no matter what your architectural design is. If you are interested in a new metal roof for your Michigan home, consider these top reasons you should have one installed this fall.
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Winter Benefits of Metal Roofs
The harsh Michigan winters require the toughest roofing materials available as your first line of defense against the elements in Detroit. Consider these reasons homeowners in cold climates prefer a metal roof to other materials.
- No more ice dams. Ice damming is a phenomenon that occurs when the snow on your roof begins to melt during the day and then re-freezes when the temperatures drop in the evening. As the snow re-freezes, a dam of ice forms and prevents the runoff from melting snow the next day from running into your gutters and off your roof. This backup of meltwater on your roof can penetrate roofing materials and cause leaks and damage to the interior structure of your house. Metal roofs are designed to encourage the gradual melting of snow and ice as they heat up in the daytime sun.
- Snow performance. We don’t often think about the extreme weight that builds up on our roofs with the accumulation of snow, but it can put a great deal of stress on the structure of homes and other buildings. There are many ways metal roofs work to get the snow off and reduce this stress on the house. As mentioned earlier, metal tends to heat in such a way during the day that snow melts gradually from the edge of the roof to the top. Additionally, the lower weight of a metal roofing system means that your home can handle more snow before you have to worry about any adverse effects.
- Strength and durability. Metal roofs are one of the longest-lasting options available. Since they have a longevity of 50 years, most homeowners never have to have the roof replaced in their lifetime after installing one. They are resistant to cracking and corrosion and can withstand wind gusts up to 120 miles per hour.
Overall Benefits of Metal Roofs
- Environmental friendliness. Metal roofs can be recycled when they reach the end of their lifespans. They can also be installed over the top of old roofing materials, so if you currently have an asphalt roof, you can keep it from going to the landfill by installing a metal roof right on top.
- Ideal for low slopes. Many individuals believe that metal roofing is only a viable option on more steeply-pitched roofs. This is not the case, however, as metal is a great option for low-sloped roofs, as well. If there is enough slope to encourage water runoff, a metal roof will work on your home.
- Energy efficiency. One of the prime features of metal roofs in Michigan is that they reflect solar radiant heat. This can help in the summer by reducing cooling costs, but the fact that they are available in a wide range of colors is also beneficial to homes in nearly any climate. In areas like Michigan that tend to be colder climates, a darker roof color can help absorb warmth from the sun’s rays and keep the home warmer without undue stress on the furnace.
- Damage resistance. There are many ways that roofs can become damaged over the years. Snow, ice, and other elements can damage some roofing materials, but metal roofs are known to stand up to the elements. Mildew, mold, and rot are often factors that wear away at roofs, but metal roofs are impervious to these types of wear. Lastly, insects such as termites can sometimes cause damage to materials like wooden shingles. Metal, however, is completely resistant to insect damage.
- Cost-Effectiveness. Your initial investment in a metal roof may be a bit more than that of an asphalt roof, but the long-term benefits make it money well-spent. Asphalt shingles typically last up to 30 years, so long-time homeowners may end up replacing them in their lifetime. Metal roofs, on the other hand, typically last for at least 50 years. Combine this with the energy saving you get from a metal roof, and you can see that it will pay for itself over time.
- No worries about lightning. Many individuals have an irrational fear of metal roofs, attracting lighting. The truth of the matter, however, is that metal roofs are no more likely to attract lightning than any other roofing material. Lightning tends to strike the tallest structure in its vicinity to get a clear path to the ground. Typically, this ends up being trees, light poles, and telephone poles. An added benefit of metal roofs is that if they are hit by lightning, they are not as combustible as many other roofing materials, so you are less likely to experience a house fire.
If you need a new roof, fall is a great time of year in Michigan to hire a respected roofing contractor. Summer business has slowed, and contractors are looking for clients, so they are likely to offer deals, upgrades, and incentives that you wouldn’t get in the spring or summertime.